Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, has expressed confidence that the newly commissioned 504-kilowatt-hour interconnected mini-grid in Epe will transform the local economy by providing reliable electricity, creating employment opportunities and improving the standard of living for residents.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the senator said the project is designed to provide stable power to businesses, schools, healthcare centres, artisans, agro-processing facilities, fish merchants and thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises that have struggled with poor electricity supply for years.
The mini-grid project was commissioned last week in Epe, Lagos State. It was facilitated through a partnership involving Senator Abiru, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the European Union and the German government through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Represented during the commissioning by former Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdulateef Abiru, the senator described the project as a major step towards improving economic activities and raising the quality of life in Epe.
According to him, the project is expected to reduce the dependence on expensive fuel-powered generators, lower business operating costs and encourage more investments in the community. He noted that reliable electricity is essential for business growth, improved education, quality healthcare and sustainable community development.
Abiru revealed that the successful completion of the mini-grid was the result of more than four years of continuous advocacy and collaboration to ensure Epe was included in the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme.
He explained that the project is much more than an electricity initiative, saying it represents a long-term solution to the power challenges that have slowed economic growth in Epe Local Government Area.
The senator said years of engagement with relevant stakeholders made the project possible, adding that everyone involved remained committed because they understood the positive impact reliable electricity would have on businesses and residents.
He further disclosed that the 504kWh mini-grid is only the first phase of a larger energy plan. According to him, there are plans to expand the project with an additional 5-megawatt power supply that will significantly increase electricity availability across the Epe division.
The planned expansion, he said, will support more industries, attract new investments, create additional jobs and provide enough electricity to meet the growing energy needs of the area.
Abiru also commended the Rural Electrification Agency, the European Union and GIZ for working together to deliver the project. He described the partnership as an excellent example of how government agencies and international development partners can collaborate to provide sustainable infrastructure that benefits local communities.
The senator credited the success of the project to the ongoing power sector reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He said the Federal Government’s efforts to improve electricity infrastructure and expand energy access are beginning to produce visible results across different parts of the country.
According to him, the Epe mini-grid demonstrates how government policies can directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians by providing infrastructure that supports business growth and economic development.
He called on residents to protect the newly installed facilities from vandalism and ensure they are properly maintained for future generations.
Abiru added that lasting development depends on responsible leadership, strategic investments and consistent government policies. He urged residents to continue supporting programmes and initiatives that promote economic growth, create employment opportunities and improve the welfare of communities.
With the mini-grid now operational and plans already in place for a larger expansion, many business owners and residents are hopeful that Epe is on the path to becoming a stronger commercial and industrial hub powered by reliable electricity.
